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How to feed and care for your starter, the Lievito Madre way

A starter does not need a strict schedule. It needs you to read it. Here is how a stiff Lievito Madre works and how to tell what it wants.

What is a Lievito Madre?

All our breads are baked with a Lievito Madre, the stiff, Italian-style sourdough starter. It holds less water than a liquid starter. Less water means the yeast gets the upper hand over the acid-producing bacteria: a milder flavor and a starter that forgives a busy week in the fridge.

The dome test

You never need a clock to know whether your Madre is ready.

  • The surface curves up into a small dome: it is active and ready to use, even straight from the fridge.
  • The dome has collapsed: it wants a feeding first, no matter what the calendar says.

Signs that your starter is hungry

  • The dome has collapsed
  • A sharp smell, like vinegar or nail polish remover
  • A little liquid on top

Between bakes

Between bakes the starter lives in the fridge, where it slows down. Feed it, let it come up, then put it back. It tolerates a week or two of neglect, and even a neglected starter can usually be brought back.

One rule beats every schedule: feed, wait for the dome, then fridge.

The exact feeding formula, the one simple rhythm and a printable kitchen cheat sheet with the whole routine are Modules 2 and 7 of the Starter Kit.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I have to feed my starter every day?

No. A starter that lives in the fridge does not need daily feeding, whether it is a stiff Lievito Madre or a softer one. You feed it when you want to bake, or when the dome has collapsed. The exact routine is in the Starter Kit.

What is the difference between a liquid starter and a Lievito Madre?

A liquid starter holds roughly as much water as flour, a Lievito Madre much less, so it is firm like a dough. The stiff version tends to taste milder; the strength of the rise is similar.

Can I use my starter straight from the fridge?

Yes, if the surface is domed. If the dome has collapsed, feed it first.

Why does my starter smell sharp?

Usually because it is hungry. Feed it and the smell becomes milder.

Starter in trouble? Read how to revive a neglected starter.

The guides teach the basics. The kits take you all the way.

Seven step-by-step modules from first mix to first loaf. The Starter Kit is where the craft begins.

Get the Starter Kit — $16